What do Blackburn need in January?
Rovers need to add competition for places and perhaps a couple of players who are going to genuinely impact the starting XI for the second half of the season.
The feeling is that, against the odds, they could mount a serious challenge for a play-off spot if they can fill some gaps in the squad. Players who have gone course and distance in the Championship would be great but they come at a premium.
What sort of business are they likely to do?
Rovers are looking for a striker (who isn’t?) during the window. Yuki Ohashi has played a long time without a break now, and Makhtar Gueye getting off the mark at Sheffield Wednesday in December will do him the world of good. But, can they get someone who might weigh in with half a dozen league goals or more for the second half of the season.
There is also a feeling that a little more pace in the side is on the wanted list for John Eustace. Potentially a left-sided player to add further competition for places.
Also, with a season long injury to Scott Wharton and a lengthy absence for Hayden Carter, another central defender could be an option. Dom Hyam has played every minute of every game this season, and it’s a good job that he has with others missing.
How successful have they been in recent January windows?
Not hugely. No sooner had the window closed last January, former head coach Jon-Dahl Tomasson left the club.
Kyle McFadzean was the pick of who arrived last January but Rovers haven’t had a new year window in recent memory that you’ve thought they’ve significantly strengthened.
High-profile registration errors have embarrassed them with moves for Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien and Orlando City’s Duncan Maguire falling through after the deadlines had passed.
Are there likely to be any notable departures?
I don’t believe so. I think had Hayden Carter been fit for the first half of the season, he could have attracted interest.
John Buckley and Arnor Sigurdsson haven’t featured on the field as much as I’m sure they’d have liked to. It remains to be seen if both will remain at Ewood beyond January. Eustace certainly doesn’t appear to be in a rush to lose them.
How important is the transfer window likely to be in determining the success of their season?
They won’t be splashing the cash, that’s for sure. I would imagine they’ll have an eye on who is coming out of contract in the summer. Are there players in League One with talent who they can take up a level and give an opportunity to?
The feeling is that if Rovers are serious about a play-off challenge, the current squad could do with a little bit of help to give them the best chance possible. I think January is huge for Rovers.
